Edmond Dantès
Dantès the White
It's been just about ten years since we journeyed into Middle-Earth for the first time on the big screen, so I thought I'd make a thread celebrating our various experiences with the film.
But first a brief recap of the film.
What is it?
An adaptation of the first chapter of the trilogy of best selling books written by J.R.R Tolkien (he originally envisaged a different method of release with different titles reflecting the narrative in a more suitable manner, the titles would have been; The Return of the Shadow, The Treason of Isengard, The War of the Ring, Sauron Defeated).
The film itself
The Lord of the Rings was described as unfilmable, an adaptation that would never capture the beauty or the essence of Tolkien's most celebrated work, but The Fellowship laid many of these doubts to rest in awe-inspiring fashion.
Released on Wednesday, December 19, 2001 and directed by Peter Jackson, with a hefty runtime of 178 minutes. The film details the adventures and hardships of the members of the "Fellowship of the Ring". The screenplay was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Peter Jackson. It was produced as the first of three films based on the famous story filmed simultaneously on location in New Zealand, with a budget of U.S. $180 million. Principal photography took 14 months and finished around the end of 1999 and post-production continued long after that.
Posters
Principle Cast
Frodo Baggins - Elijah Wood
Gandalf the Grey - Sir Ian McKellen
Aragorn - Viggo Mortensen
Samwise - Gamgee Sean Astin
Galadriel - Cate Blanchett
Boromir - Sean Bean
Arwen Evenstar - Liv Tyler
Gimli son of Glóin - John Rhys-Davies
Meriadoc Brandybuck - Dominic Monaghan
Peregrin Took - Billy Boyd
Legolas - Orlando Bloom
Saruman the White - Sir Christopher Lee
Lord of the Nazgûl - Shane Rangi & Brent McIntyre (voiced by Andy Serkis)
Elrond - Hugo Weaving
Bilbo Baggins - Ian Holm
Rosie Cotton - Sarah McLeod
Celeborn - Marton Csokas
Haldir of Lórien -Craig Parker
The casting decisions were spot on and the dismissal of Stuart Townsend ended up being an inspired decision. Viggo came into the role with little prep time after been convinced by his son to take the role. The production members needn't have worried as he integrated himself into the project with ease and made the role of Aragorn and Strider his own.
Veteran actors Ian Holm, Ian Mckellan and Christopher Lee were perfectly cast, with Christopher finally realising his life long ambition. The Hobbits were cast in an appropriate manner with Sean Astin gaining many plaudits playing Sam.
Liv Tyler was a controversial choice for Arwen, her previous roles gave no indication of her ability to act in such an ethereal manner, but she certainly proved her doubters wrong.
John Rhys-Davies was the perfect Gimli and Orlando Bloom in his debut role gave one of his better performances to date.
The wonderful Cate Blanchett put in a sterling performance as Galadriel, she really stole the show in every scene she was in. A shining light indeed. And Hugo Weaving gave a very accomplished performance as Elrond, although slightly harsh in some people's eyes. That may have been the script rather than his performance though as he did come across as quite critical of the race of men, certainly in comparison to the book.
The look of the film
Peter and co truly captured the feel of the story with a fantastic blend of CG, miniatures, bigatures, and paintings. With truly phenomenal practical costume design and props.
The Score
Howard provided the score as well as his life for a good few years. It really does show as the score was one of the greatest elements throughout the film as well as the sequels. From the heart pounding Khazad-Dum theme to the bombastic and lively Fellowship hero theme, to the beautiful, ethereal and enchanting Lothlórien theme. The songs from Enya also added to the magical quality of the film. And who can forget the Concerning Hobbits theme; wonderful and encapsulates everything about Hobbits. The complete recordings featuring more of the film's music is a must have for any fan.
The Prophecy
Concerning Hobbits
The Shadow of the Past
The Treason of Isengard
The Black Rider
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
A Knife in the Dark
Flight to the Ford
Many meetings
The Council of Elrond
The Ring Goes South
A Journey in the Dark
The Bridge of Khazad Dum
Lothlorien
The Great River
Amon Hen
The End[/B]
But first a brief recap of the film.
What is it?
An adaptation of the first chapter of the trilogy of best selling books written by J.R.R Tolkien (he originally envisaged a different method of release with different titles reflecting the narrative in a more suitable manner, the titles would have been; The Return of the Shadow, The Treason of Isengard, The War of the Ring, Sauron Defeated).
The film itself
The Lord of the Rings was described as unfilmable, an adaptation that would never capture the beauty or the essence of Tolkien's most celebrated work, but The Fellowship laid many of these doubts to rest in awe-inspiring fashion.
Released on Wednesday, December 19, 2001 and directed by Peter Jackson, with a hefty runtime of 178 minutes. The film details the adventures and hardships of the members of the "Fellowship of the Ring". The screenplay was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Peter Jackson. It was produced as the first of three films based on the famous story filmed simultaneously on location in New Zealand, with a budget of U.S. $180 million. Principal photography took 14 months and finished around the end of 1999 and post-production continued long after that.
Posters
Principle Cast
Frodo Baggins - Elijah Wood
Gandalf the Grey - Sir Ian McKellen
Aragorn - Viggo Mortensen
Samwise - Gamgee Sean Astin
Galadriel - Cate Blanchett
Boromir - Sean Bean
Arwen Evenstar - Liv Tyler
Gimli son of Glóin - John Rhys-Davies
Meriadoc Brandybuck - Dominic Monaghan
Peregrin Took - Billy Boyd
Legolas - Orlando Bloom
Saruman the White - Sir Christopher Lee
Lord of the Nazgûl - Shane Rangi & Brent McIntyre (voiced by Andy Serkis)
Elrond - Hugo Weaving
Bilbo Baggins - Ian Holm
Rosie Cotton - Sarah McLeod
Celeborn - Marton Csokas
Haldir of Lórien -Craig Parker
The casting decisions were spot on and the dismissal of Stuart Townsend ended up being an inspired decision. Viggo came into the role with little prep time after been convinced by his son to take the role. The production members needn't have worried as he integrated himself into the project with ease and made the role of Aragorn and Strider his own.
Veteran actors Ian Holm, Ian Mckellan and Christopher Lee were perfectly cast, with Christopher finally realising his life long ambition. The Hobbits were cast in an appropriate manner with Sean Astin gaining many plaudits playing Sam.
Liv Tyler was a controversial choice for Arwen, her previous roles gave no indication of her ability to act in such an ethereal manner, but she certainly proved her doubters wrong.
John Rhys-Davies was the perfect Gimli and Orlando Bloom in his debut role gave one of his better performances to date.
The wonderful Cate Blanchett put in a sterling performance as Galadriel, she really stole the show in every scene she was in. A shining light indeed. And Hugo Weaving gave a very accomplished performance as Elrond, although slightly harsh in some people's eyes. That may have been the script rather than his performance though as he did come across as quite critical of the race of men, certainly in comparison to the book.
The look of the film
Peter and co truly captured the feel of the story with a fantastic blend of CG, miniatures, bigatures, and paintings. With truly phenomenal practical costume design and props.
The Score
Howard provided the score as well as his life for a good few years. It really does show as the score was one of the greatest elements throughout the film as well as the sequels. From the heart pounding Khazad-Dum theme to the bombastic and lively Fellowship hero theme, to the beautiful, ethereal and enchanting Lothlórien theme. The songs from Enya also added to the magical quality of the film. And who can forget the Concerning Hobbits theme; wonderful and encapsulates everything about Hobbits. The complete recordings featuring more of the film's music is a must have for any fan.
The Prophecy
Concerning Hobbits
The Shadow of the Past
The Treason of Isengard
The Black Rider
At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
A Knife in the Dark
Flight to the Ford
Many meetings
The Council of Elrond
The Ring Goes South
A Journey in the Dark
The Bridge of Khazad Dum
Lothlorien
The Great River
Amon Hen
The End[/B]
